What happens if they go untreated?

These sorts of problems can lead to more long-term complications, affect your day-to-day life in a negative way, and if left untreated, cataracts will worsen over time, possibly leading to permanent damage, or blindness.   

RISK OF FALLING  

 With time, cataracts will become progressively worse and lead to a higher risk of falling, or being able to navigate your surroundings safely, meaning you’ll need to slow your pace to limit this risk.   

TROUBLE DRIVING   

Not only can cataracts severely hamper your driving and mobility, they significantly increase your risk of being in a motor accident. In fact, drivers with cataracts are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in an at-fault car accident than those without cataracts.   

DIFFICULTY READING   

Cataracts can give tremendous trouble when it comes to being able to read without difficulty. It sometimes feels like looking through cloudy or frosted glass, which can lead to headaches and frustration.   

LOWER QUALITY OF LIFE   

With an increased risk of falling, being involved in car accidents and collisions, and frustrations with every day tasks like driving, reading, and general mobility, you may feel depressed, or sad. Treating cataracts early can alleviate all of the above.   Your Life Doesn't Have To Be Impacted By Cataracts!

While very rare, severe complications from cataract surgery can occur even when it is properly performed:     

Infection. The risk of infection is about 0.1%.  Infections after cataract surgery typically occur in the week after surgery and its main symptoms are pain, redness, and decreased vision.  Should any of these symptoms develop after cataract surgery, seek medical care immediately as the sooner an infection is treated, the better the prognosis.  To minimize your chance of infection, please wash your hands often and avoid touching the skin around your eye.       

Retinal detachment. The risk of retinal detachment is about 0.03%.  People who are near-sighted are at greater risk.  Symptoms are typically a lot of flashes and floaters initially and then a curtain being pulled across your vision.  If a retinal detachment occurs, you need to be promptly evaluated by a retina specialist.       

Retinal swelling/edema. The risk of retinal edema is about 1%.  Typically, it develops weeks after surgery and causes blurry vision.  Those at greatest risk are diabetics, people with prior eye inflammation, prior retinal problems, and individuals who do not use their postop eye drops properly.  This is treated with anti-inflammatory eye drops or an injection of medication. 

The most common side effect is clearer vision. Since cataracts block light, when they are removed the eye will detect more light and could feel more sensitive. 

There may be reduced pressure in the eye, as well. 

You may notice more floaters and there could be a dark crescent shape in the peripheral view, but the crescent shape usually goes away on its own in a few months. 

You may also notice a brief flicker of light in certain lighting conditions. This may be due to the edge of the lens implant catching the light. Unfortunately, this can often be confused with flashes of light that occur with a retinal detachment. If you notice a flash of light please call the office. You may need to come in to the office for further evaluation depending on your symptoms.